It's open, the new restaurant addition to the bowling alley (renamed the Family Fun Center). They are serving lunch and dinner. Great burgers, great service, great atmosphere. You may be tempted to pinch yourself and ask, "Am I really in little ol' Sparta NC?" 336-372-2694
LISTEN TO OUR AD
We are currently running radio spots on WBRF 98.1 in Galax, VA, and WKBC 97.3 in North Wilkesboro, NC, reminding listeners that no matter how hot it is down the mountain, it is cooler up here. The ad also refers to a new URL the Chamber has acquired: CoolSparta.com. Presently, CoolSparta.com sends Web surfers to our current site, but I hope to have a page posted to introduce folks to the county and invite them to our Web site. The music is done by Randy Absher and remains the same from week to week. The voice is that of Dudley Carpenter whom you may recognize for former spots for the Alleghany Community Theatre. His message changes depending upon what's happening in the county or what is highlighted. Click on the arrow in the player below to listen to one spot highlighting traditional music offered in the county. To replay, click the pause square box beside the arrow and then click the arrow. If the player does not show, click here.
PLANNING FOR THE PARKWAY 75th ANNIVERSARY
One suggestion about how to highlight the upcoming 75th Celebration at Cumberland Knob and the Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center that came out of our monthly meetings (fourth Monday at 3p in Town Hall. Everyone is invited), was for merchants to offer specials around the number 75 the week leading up to and the weekend of the celebration, Sept. 3-12. A restaurant could offer a 75 cent hot dog. A clothing store might offer buy one t-shirt and get the second for 75 cents. Put on your thinking caps and come up with some good promotion ideas and email them to the Chamber. I'll post in future Briefs. Let me know what your final 75 special is by Aug. 26 and we will advertise all the specials in the Alleghany News. Get those creative juices flowing and turn in some ideas that will catch the attention of locals and folks coming to the 75th Celebration. This is a huge celebration and it is happening 16 miles or less from Sparta.
LOOKING FOR VIDEO RENTALS?
We've had calls from folks looking for video movie rentals since the close of Movie Gallery. The good news is you don't have to drive far. Magic Home Entertainment in Independence still rents movies! They are open 10a-9p, Monday through Friday and 1-6p on Sunday. Just take US 21 to the traffic signal, turn left onto US 58/Main Street and look for them on the left. If you live out from Sparta, Magic Video has stores in Jefferson, Warrensville and Millers Creek. Check their website for more information on these stores. 276-773-2695
VOLUNTEER NOMINATION DEADLINE FRIDAY AUG. 6
The deadline for submitting nominations of volunteers to be recognized by the county and state is Friday, Aug. 6. If your non-profit, church or business relies on volunteers this is a great way to recognize and thank them for their service. Information available on our Volunteer Website.
THURSDAY, JULY 29
Learn what to do if you get lost and what to carry with you in the woods. Meet at the Visitor Center at the Hwy 221 Access area of the New River State Park at 10:30a for a program geared toward preschool-aged children. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the park afterward. 336-982-2587.
FRIDAY, JULY 30
Butler and Faw in Concert
Soprano Polly Butler Cornelius and Pianist Victoria Faw will perform works by Chopin, Bartok, Laitman and Jon Metzger at Sparta Presbyterian Church, 160 South Main Street, at 7p. There is no charge for admission but donations are appreciated. 336-372-6807
SATURDAY, JULY 31
4-Wheel Drive at the Silver Dollar Music Park
Rock N Roll-Live and Loud. Buffet at Silver Spoon Supper Club starts around 6 p; band 8p. Enjoy great home cooking. Cover for the band is $7; meal and band only $15. 336-372-6874
SATURDAY AND SUNDAY, JULY 31-AUG. 1
Scenic Photography Workshop
The Chamber is sponsoring a scenic photography workshop featuring Mike Booher for Saturday and Sunday in honor of the Parkway's upcoming 75th Anniversary Celebration. This 2-day event is a must attend for shutterbugs intending to enter the Alleghany Library's Photography Contest that this year only features Parkway photography. Click to learn more. A few spots are still available. 336-372-5473
Deerwood Park is offering a vacation special on their rental cabins through August 31. Stay 3 nights for the price of 2. Tell your friends. This is their chance for a vacation bargain. For details email Stephanie Newman at stephanienewman@deerwoodpark.com or Annabel Gonzalez at anabelgonzalez65@yahoo.com. 336-372-8256.
GOT A CIVIL WAR STORY TO TELL?
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is still accepting submissions about the Civil War in Appalachia for the forthcoming "Stories from the Home Front" story guide and American Heritage map insert. As the United States approaches the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the ARC plans to help travelers and residents understand the full impact of the Civil War in their region by offering stories to provide a better understanding about how Appalachia and its residents uniquely dealt with the issues, activities and outcomes of the Civil War. For more information or to submit a story, visit www.arc-cw150stories.com.
CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK!
AREA MUSIC/ENTERTAINMENT
>> Alleghany Jubilee: Come to listen or come to dance to the blue grass and old time musicians who play on Tuesday beginning at 7p and Saturday at 8p. Admission $4. The Jubilee is located on North Main Street, across from the Courthouse. 336-372-4591
>> Crouse House Pickers: Local blue grass and old time musicians jam each Monday, 2 blocks north of the Courthouse at the Crouse House in Crouse Park, beginning at 6p. Come and play or just listen. No charge, but a donation is appreciated. 372-5473
>> Silver Dollar Music Park Line dance lessons every Monday 6-8:30p. Supper served at 6p and lessons at 7p. Get both for $12; just a lesson or just a meal for $7. Check the website calendar. 336-372-6874
>>They're Rockin' at the Motorcycle Capital of North Carolina If you're a motorcycle rider or a fan of hard-driving country music, then Laurel Springs is the place to be as Freebornes Eatery and Lodge and Stations Inn offer live music every weekend. Check out their links for a band schedule.
GREAT ACTIVITIES TO DO ANYTIME
>> Barn Quilt Trails: Barns and other structures throughout Alleghany County are adorned with large squares illustrating quilt patterns and add interest to a driving tour of the countryside. Drop by the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center for a brochure. We are in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main St., Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Driving Loops: Brochures for three driving loops of the Alleghany countryside are available at the Alleghany Chamber of Commerce and Visitors' Center. Each loop is a about a leisurely hour's drive and includes information on historic points along the way. The Chamber office is in the rock building with the green awning (58 South Main St., Sparta). Our foyer is always open and a brochure is always available.
>> Saturday Farmers' Market: Stop by the corner of US 21 South and Grandview Drive on Saturdays, 8a to 1p for locally produced foods and crafts and a warm welcome from the local vendors there. 336-200-2273
Check our calendar for upcoming events: On our website are listings for our Calendar. Check them often and let us know if your activity is not listed.
Bob BambergExecutive Director Alleghany
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 1237 Sparta, NC 28675
336-372-5473
SpartaChamber@inbox.com
Sparta-NC.com
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